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IRL: Knapp Masters Indy

16 April 1998

INDIANAPOLIS -- Like a lot of parents, Steve Knapp's late father Jerry always told Steve to be careful what you dream for. For Steve it's proven to be excellent advice - he's been very careful about his dream to win the Indy 500. Today at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway Steve Knapp would have made his racer father very proud. Driving ISM Racing's G-Force/Olds Aurora, Knapp made quick work of mastering both the Brickyard and his Indy Racing League Indy 500 Rookie Test.

Continuing his relationship with friend and mentor, Minnesota agri-businessman John Miller and Minneapolis, MN based Miller Brothers Racing, and with support from Miller Milling Company and a unique cast of more than a dozen behind the scenes supporters, the 1996 US F2000 Champion and 1997 KOOL/Toyota Atlantic standout completed his Indy 500 Rookie Orientation in just over 2 hours.

Designed to evaluate the driver's performance and abilities the Indy Racing League's Rookie Orientation stresses safety, consistency and control as the driver is observed during four, ten lap stages each with gradually increasing speeds. Stage One at Indy is between 190 and 195 MPH, Stage Two 195 to 200 MPH, Stage Three 200 to 205 MPH and Stage Four ten laps at an average speed of 205 MPH plus.

"Bob Hancher and the whole ISM Racing crew made this easy" commented an enthused Steve Knapp. "Bob and Gary (Sallee) have given me a fantastic opportunity here. I knew based on their past performance that they had all the right pieces but after working with them all this past week I'm even more impressed. My original goal for this year was to make it to Indy, do my best and gain the experience to come back and be a winner. With ISM's talent, knowledge and assets I truly believe we can be a top contender here in May."

Knapp and the ISM team will be back on track at the Speedway, weather permitting, on Wednesday April 15th.